I’m part of history, says Aditya Mehta

Aditya Mehta broke an eight-year-long drought and became the third Indian to clinch the Asian snooker championships in Doha on Sunday.

“I can’t say it hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m relieved that I have finally won the title. This is my third final in the Asian snooker in the last four years. I have waited long enough to win it,” said an elated Mehta.
Mehta carved his name in history by defeating compatriot Pankaj Advani in a final that lasted nearly six hours and stretched it to 12 frames. He eventually sealed the deal by winning it 7-5. “Honestly, neither of us realised that we were playing that long because it was such an intense game. In fact after the game, both of us agreed that time just flew by,” he added.

It wasn’t an easy road to the final for the Mumbai boy. Mehta faced IBSF World snooker champion and Asian U-21 snooker champion, Hossein Vafaei in the semifinals. “It was a tough match. I knew that if I could beat Hossein, I could win the title. I was aware that the pressure was on Hossein,” informed Mehta.

Although Mehta has played Advani several times over the past couple of years, he admitted that he was under a bit of pressure before the final. “I barely slept for three hours,” he confessed.
On the final, Mehta said, “Pankaj and I have played against each other so often that both of us are aware of our strengths and weaknesses. We know exactly what the other is thinking. His safety and tactical play is very good. He does not give his opponent too many opportunities. I started off being aggressive, but quickly turned into being defensive.”

Mehta wants to enjoy this phase. “I’ll savour it till it lasts. I’m part of history now. Every achievement is a new beginning.”

The Mumbai boy has had a good spell over the last few months. “ I know what I’m capable of. All-in-all its a dream come true.”